Download Commonly Miscategorized Foods

Commonly Miscategorized Foods
Extras: Some foods don’t fit into any group. These “extras” may be mainly fat or sugar—limit
your intake of these:
• Foods that contain solid fat or added sugars, like sausage, biscuits, sweetened cereals or
sour cream.
• Foods that contain only fats or sugars—like candy, soft drinks and chips.
• Use discretion when adding fats or sweeteners to foods—like sauces, salad dressings,
sugars, jellies and margarine.
Water: While an important beverage for children to drink each day in response to thirst and
for hydration, water does not belong to any food group, nor is it an “extra.”
Popcorn: While many associate popcorn with snack foods like chips, it is part of the Grains
group. It is, in fact, fairly high in fiber. It is best, however, to eat popcorn plain.
Animal crackers: Despite their name, animal crackers are higher in added sugars and belong in the
“extras.”
Tomatoes: Even though botanically they are a fruit, tomatoes are classified in the Vegetables group
because they are most often eaten with, and prepared like, other vegetables. This is consistent
with USDA’s food grouping system.
Pickles: While pickles are made from cucumbers—a vegetable—the processing destroys some of
the nutrients. The final product is not rich in nutrients, and so becomes an “extra” food.
Avocados: Like tomatoes, avocados are botanically considered a fruit, but food-wise are classified in
the Vegetable group because they are eaten as a vegetable and are not as sweet.
Lemonade: The high sugar content of lemonade makes it an “extra” food.
Fruit rolls: The high sugar content of fruit rolls makes them an “extra” food. It is always best to
eat whole fruits or 100% fruit juice.
Pudding: When made with milk, pudding belongs in the Dairy food group because of its high calcium
content.
Cocoa made with milk: When made with milk, cocoa belongs in the Dairy food group because of
its high calcium content. This is not the case when it’s made with water; then it would be classified
as an “extra.”
Eggs: Many grocery stores have a refrigerated section called “Dairy and Eggs,” but these foods
belong to separate food groups. Eggs come from hens, are classified in Protein group and are a
good source of protein.
Beans: Beans such as pinto, lima, split pea and lentil have been placed in two food groups: Protein
and Vegetables. There is a justification for this dual placement based on the nutrient profile of beans.
However, to simplify the food-classification process for students, we place beans only in the Protein
group in this program. This is particularly important for students who may be vegetarians and are
consuming beans as a primary protein and iron source.
Bacon and Beef Jerky: Even though they are derived from meat, both count as extras. Bacon
primarily provides fat, and beef jerky is high in sodium.
Tea/coffee: These beverages contain no calories and no nutrients. For that reason, they are
considered “extra” foods.